US20210278158A1 - Striker assembly and associated firearm and method - Google Patents
Striker assembly and associated firearm and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210278158A1 US20210278158A1 US16/808,792 US202016808792A US2021278158A1 US 20210278158 A1 US20210278158 A1 US 20210278158A1 US 202016808792 A US202016808792 A US 202016808792A US 2021278158 A1 US2021278158 A1 US 2021278158A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- striker
- breechblock
- axis
- stop
- sear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A19/00—Firing or trigger mechanisms; Cocking mechanisms
- F41A19/06—Mechanical firing mechanisms, e.g. counterrecoil firing, recoil actuated firing mechanisms
- F41A19/25—Mechanical firing mechanisms, e.g. counterrecoil firing, recoil actuated firing mechanisms having only slidably-mounted striker elements, i.e. percussion or firing pins
- F41A19/27—Mechanical firing mechanisms, e.g. counterrecoil firing, recoil actuated firing mechanisms having only slidably-mounted striker elements, i.e. percussion or firing pins the percussion or firing pin being movable relative to the breech-block
- F41A19/29—Mechanical firing mechanisms, e.g. counterrecoil firing, recoil actuated firing mechanisms having only slidably-mounted striker elements, i.e. percussion or firing pins the percussion or firing pin being movable relative to the breech-block propelled by a spring under tension
- F41A19/30—Mechanical firing mechanisms, e.g. counterrecoil firing, recoil actuated firing mechanisms having only slidably-mounted striker elements, i.e. percussion or firing pins the percussion or firing pin being movable relative to the breech-block propelled by a spring under tension in bolt-action guns
- F41A19/31—Sear arrangements therefor
- F41A19/32—Sear arrangements therefor for catching the percussion or firing pin after each shot, i.e. in single-shot or semi-automatic firing mode
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41C—SMALLARMS, e.g. PISTOLS, RIFLES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- F41C3/00—Pistols, e.g. revolvers
Definitions
- the present patent application is generally related to the operation of a firearm and, more particularly, to a striker assembly and associated firearm and method.
- Semiautomatic pistols can be divided into various categories.
- One category of semiautomatic pistol is the striker-fired pistol.
- a striker In striker-fired pistols, a striker is held in a cocked position prior to firing. Upon release of the striker, the striker moves forward to strike the primer of an associated cartridge, thereby igniting the cartridge.
- striker-fired pistols Despite advances already made with striker-fired pistols, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts aimed at making striker assemblies more reliable, both in the sense of reliably firing when desired and in the sense of not firing when not desired, and at making striker assemblies less expensive to manufacture and easier to maintain.
- the striker assembly includes a striker elongated along a striker axis, a sear member, and a stop element.
- the sear member is connected to the striker, extends outwardly from the striker axis, and is rotatable about the striker axis.
- the stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position. In the stop safety position, the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis. In the stop firing position, the stop element does not inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis.
- the firearm includes a frame defining a forward direction and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction, a striker assembly operatively associated with the frame, and a trigger.
- the striker assembly includes a breechblock, a striker, a sear member, and a stop element.
- the breechblock is elongated along a breechblock axis to define a breechblock front end and a breechblock rear end opposite the breechblock front end.
- the breechblock front end defines a breechblock face.
- the breechblock defines a hollow interior region elongated along the breechblock axis.
- the breechblock further defines a sear surface.
- the striker is elongated along a striker axis.
- the striker is received in the hollow interior region and is movable along the breechblock axis.
- the sear member is connected to the striker and extends outwardly from the striker axis.
- the sear member is selectively engageable with the sear surface.
- the stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position, wherein the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis and disengaging from the sear surface when the stop element is in the stop safety position.
- the trigger is operably engaged with the stop element to move the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position.
- the striker assembly includes a striker biased to the forward striker position and defining a striker axis, a sear member connected to the striker and extending outwardly from the striker axis, the sear member being rotatable about the striker axis, and a stop element movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position.
- the method includes the steps of (2) positioning the stop element in the stop safety position to inhibit rotation of the sear member about the striker axis, thereby retaining the striker in the rearward striker position; (2) moving the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position; and (3) rotating the sear member about the striker axis to cause the striker to move from the rearward striker position to the forward striker position.
- FIG. 1 is view of one example of a firearm.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one example of a firearm.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a first configuration.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a second configuration.
- FIG. 5A is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration.
- FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration.
- FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a second configuration.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm.
- FIG. 19 is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm engaged with a trigger.
- FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a cartridge.
- FIG. 21 is a flow diagram depicting one example of the disclosed method for using a striker assembly.
- the present disclosure is directed to firearms, to striker assemblies, such as striker assemblies for firearms, and to methods for moving a striker of a striker assembly from a rearward striker position to a forward striker position.
- the disclosed firearms, striker assemblies, and methods may provide one or more of improved reliability, lower manufacturing costs, and simplified maintenance.
- one example of the disclosed firearm may be a pistol and, in particular, a semiautomatic pistol 202 .
- the firearm 200 may include a frame 220 , a barrel 230 , a slide 206 , a striker assembly 400 , and a recoil spring assembly 240 .
- the terms “front” and “forward” refer to a direction oriented toward an exit end of the barrel 230 of the firearm 200 and the terms “rear” and “rearward” denotes a direction oriented away from the exit end 232 of the barrel 230 of the firearm 200 .
- the firearm 200 includes a front end 142 and a rear end 144 .
- the rear end 144 is longitudinally opposed from the front end 142 .
- the frame 220 defines a forward direction 222 oriented toward an exit end 232 of the barrel 230 of the firearm 200 and a rearward direction 224 opposite the forward direction 222 and oriented away from the exit end of the barrel 230 of the firearm 200 .
- Other details of the frame 220 will be set forth below.
- the frame 220 is a structure of sufficient rigidity to hold each of the components operationally engaged therewith as set forth below.
- the barrel 230 , the slide 206 , the recoil spring assembly 240 , the striker assembly 400 , etc. may be configured in positions and orientations with respect to the frame 220 and with respect to one another.
- the frame 220 is sufficiently rigid to hold the designed range of positions and orientations within the relevant design tolerances.
- the frame 220 includes a receiver 148 and a grip 150 .
- the grip 150 enables the shooter (not shown) to firmly grasp and hold the firearm 200 and forms the center of contact between the shooter and the frame 220 .
- the grip 150 also forms an internal chamber into which a magazine (not shown) is slidably received.
- the magazine is of a conventional design in which associated cartridges 66 (see FIG. 20 ) in a parallel, longitudinal stacked relation are biased toward a top having its front and back cut in relief to allow the associated cartridge 66 to slide longitudinally out from the top.
- the frame 220 and components thereof are fabricated from metal, a polymer, or a combination thereof. While it is common for the frame 220 and components thereof to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives.
- the barrel 230 is coupled to the frame 220 .
- the barrel 230 is the passage through which a bullet 64 ( FIG. 20 ) travels as it issues from the firearm 200 .
- the barrel 230 defines a bore axis 146 .
- the bore axis 146 coincides with the path a bullet 64 will travel as it moves through the barrel 230 .
- the barrel 230 has an exit end 232 .
- the exit end 232 is the end of the barrel 230 from which a bullet 64 issues upon firing the firearm 200 .
- the barrel 230 is coupled to the receiver 148 .
- the barrel 230 is removable from the frame 220 , such as removable from the receiver 148 .
- the barrel 230 is situated between the frame 220 and the slide 206 .
- the barrel 230 is fixed to the frame 220 .
- the barrel 230 moves with respect to the frame 220 in position or orientation or both during the firing cycle.
- the barrel 230 is fabricated from a metal. While it is common for the barrel 230 to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives.
- the slide 206 is coupled to the frame 220 .
- the slide 206 is movable relative to the frame 220 along a recoil axis 118 .
- the slide 206 is coupled to the receiver 148 .
- the slide 206 is movable relative the receiver 148 along the recoil axis 118 .
- the slide 206 moves longitudinally rearward and forward (i.e., reciprocal motion) relative to the frame 220 , such as to the receiver 148 , and to the barrel 230 along the recoil axis 118 during the firing cycle.
- recoil axis 118 is substantially parallel to the bore axis 146 .
- substantially parallel means within the relevant engineering or manufacturing tolerances of parallel.
- the slide 206 moves along the frame 220 between a fully forward position (see FIG. 3 ) and a fully rearward position (see FIG. 4 ) to perform operational actions resulting from firing of a chambered associated cartridge 66 (see FIG. 20 ).
- FIGS. 3 and 4 in combination, schematically illustrate portions of the firing cycle of an example of a subassembly of the firearm 200 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the receiver 148 , the barrel 230 , the recoil spring assembly 240 , and the slide 206 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the portion of the firearm 200 in a battery position.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the portion of the firearm 200 in a recoil position.
- the battery position refers to a condition of the firearm 200 in which the slide 206 is fully forward and the firearm 200 is in a ready-to-fire state.
- the recoil position refers to a condition of the firearm 200 in which the slide 206 is fully rearward.
- the firearm 200 also includes a striker assembly 400 .
- the striker assembly 400 operates to fire the chambered associated cartridge 66 .
- the striker assembly 400 is operationally engaged with the slide 206 to reciprocate therewith during the firing cycle.
- the striker assembly 400 includes a breechblock 208 , a striker 420 , a sear member 430 , a stop element 452 (see FIG. 6 ), a biasing element 423 and a trigger 216 .
- the striker assembly 400 and the workings of the striker assembly 400 will be described in further detail below.
- the recoil spring assembly 240 is operationally engaged to the slide 206 and is operationally engaged to the frame 220 .
- the recoil spring assembly 240 biases the slide 206 in a bias direction along the recoil axis 118 to the fully forward position relative to the frame 220 .
- the recoil spring assembly 240 biases the slide 206 to the battery position.
- the recoil spring assembly 240 includes at least one recoil spring 120 .
- the at least one recoil spring 120 may include, or take the form of, a coil spring, a helical spring, compression spring, or other suitable spring chosen with good engineering judgment. This latter recitation is not limiting, and it is contemplated that other types of springs may also be used as the recoil spring 120 . With the slide 206 in the fully forward position (see FIG. 3 ), the recoil spring assembly 240 is less than fully energized.
- the firearm 200 begins in the battery position (see FIG. 3 ).
- the act of firing releases energy that propels the slide 206 toward the rear along the recoil axis 118 .
- the energy released from the fired associated cartridge 66 causes the slide 206 to travel rearwardly relative to the frame 220 .
- Rearward travel of the slide 206 relative to the frame 220 is generally referred to as recoil.
- Recoil of the slide 206 ejects an empty associated cartridge case from an ejection port 164 formed in the slide 206 .
- Recoil of the slide 206 compresses the recoil spring assembly 240 until kinetic energy imparted to the slide 206 is overcome by potential energy being imparted to the recoil spring assembly 240 .
- the recoil spring assembly 240 is configured to transfer a recoil force (recoil momentum) from the slide 206 to the frame 220 . The recoil force is then transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter.
- the recoil spring assembly 240 With the slide 206 in the fully rearward position, the recoil spring assembly 240 is energized (e.g., FIG. 4 ). As the recoil spring assembly 240 releases energy, the slide 206 is sent forward. At an end of rearward travel of the slide 206 (e.g., the fully rearward position), the slide 206 moves forward by reaction to a spring force provided by the recoil spring assembly 240 .
- Forward travel of the slide 206 loads a new associated cartridge into the chamber of the barrel 230 .
- Forward travel of the slide 206 returns the firearm 200 to the battery position (e.g., FIG. 3 ). Returned to the battery position, the firearm 200 is ready to fire again.
- the firearm 200 includes a frame 220 , a striker assembly 400 operatively associated with the frame 220 and a trigger 216 .
- the frame 220 defines a forward direction 222 and a rearward direction 224 opposite the forward direction 222 as described above (see FIG. 5 ).
- the striker assembly 400 is operatively engaged with the slide 206 to reciprocate with respect to the frame 220 along with the slide 206 .
- the striker assembly 400 includes a breechblock 208 , a striker 420 , a sear member 430 , and a stop element 452 .
- the breechblock 208 is elongated along a breechblock axis 412 to define a breechblock front end 413 and a breechblock rear end 414 opposite the breechblock front end 413 .
- the breechblock axis 412 is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis 146 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the breechblock front end 413 is oriented facing the forward direction 222 .
- the breechblock rear end 414 is oriented facing the rearward direction 224 .
- the breechblock front end 413 defines a breechblock face 419 .
- the breechblock face 419 is the surface that operationally engages an associated cartridge 66 to be fired by the striker 420 .
- the breechblock 208 further defines a hollow interior region 418 elongated along the breechblock axis 412 .
- the breechblock 208 defines a sear surface 415 .
- the breechblock 208 includes a breechblock wall 417 which defines the sear surface 415 .
- the breechblock 208 includes a breechblock wall 417 that defines therein the hollow interior region 418 and that defines therethrough a guide slot 411 , which defines both the sear surface 415 and a cocking surface 416 offset from and facing the sear surface 415 .
- the breechblock 208 further includes a striker aperture 421 .
- the striker aperture is a hole extending from the extending from the breechblock face 419 to the hollow interior region 418 .
- the striker aperture 421 will be described further below in relation to the striker 420 .
- the breechblock 208 is movable along the breechblock axis 412 relative to the stop element 452 (see FIG. 6 ).
- the striker 420 is elongated along a striker axis 422 .
- the striker axis 422 is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis 146 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the striker 420 is received within the hollow interior region 418 and is movable with respect to the breechblock 208 along the breechblock axis 412 .
- the striker 420 is movable between a forward striker position 426 and a rearward striker position 427 . When the striker 420 is in the rearward striker position 427 shown in FIG. 5B , no part of the striker 420 extends through the striker aperture 421 .
- the sear member 430 may be fixedly connected to the striker 420 , though other non-fixed (e.g., rotatable) connections are also contemplated.
- the sear member 430 extends outwardly from the striker axis 422 and is rotatable about the striker axis 422 . In the example shown in FIG. 5C , the sear member 430 extends at least partially through the guide slot 411 .
- the sear member 430 is selectively engageable with the sear surface 415 .
- the sear member can be selectively moveable and can selectively move at least between a sear member safety position 434 and a sear member firing position 436 . Referring now to FIGS.
- the guide slot 411 is elongated and extends at least between the sear member safety position 434 and the sear member firing position 436 .
- the sear member firing position 436 is offset from the sear member safety position 434 by both by a non-zero axial displacement distance D along the breechblock axis 412 , and by a non-zero angular rotation ⁇ about the breechblock axis 412 .
- the striker 420 is impeded from moving to the forward striker position 426 .
- the sear member 430 is fixedly engaged with the striker 420 such that, when the sear member is in the sear member safety position 434 , the striker 420 is impeded from moving to the rearward striker position 427 .
- the sear member 430 is fully engaged with the sear surface 415 , the sear member is in the sear member safety position 434 .
- the sear surface 415 inhibits the sear member 430 from moving from the sear member safety position 434 (see FIG. 6 ) to the sear member firing position 436 (see FIG. 10 ) when the stop element 452 is in the stop safety position 454 .
- the sear member 430 can be used to impede or prevent the firearm 200 from being undesirably fired by controlling the position of the sear member 430 , such as, without limitation, by inhibiting or preventing the sear member 430 from disengaging from the sear surface 415 .
- the sear member 430 and its function with respect to control of firearm operation will be discussed further below.
- the sear member 430 in order to move the striker 420 between the rearward striker position 427 and the forward striker position 426 , the sear member 430 must undergo a minimum angular rotation ⁇ about the breechblock axis 412 .
- this latter minimum angular rotation ⁇ about the breechblock axis 412 is 5 degrees, or at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, or at least 20 degrees, or at least 25 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees.
- the sear member 430 must undergo a minimum angular rotation ⁇ about the breechblock axis 412 of between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.
- the stop element 452 is part of the control block 450 described further below.
- the stop element 452 is movable between at least a stop safety position 454 (see FIG. 6 ) and a stop firing position 456 (see FIG. 9 ).
- the stop element 452 is positioned to inhibit the sear member 430 from rotating about the striker axis 422 and thereby disengaging from the sear surface 415 .
- the stop element 452 is in the stop firing position 456 , the stop element 452 does not inhibit the sear member 430 from rotating about the striker axis 422 .
- the striker assembly 400 and thereby the firearm 200 which includes the striker assembly 400 , further includes a biasing element 423 positioned to bias the striker 420 toward the breechblock front end 413 .
- the biasing element 423 includes spring 42 , but this is not limiting, and in other examples the biasing element 423 includes another component that will produce a restorative force on the striker 420 as a function of displacement, and that is chosen with good engineering judgment.
- the spring 42 is a compression spring, but this is not limiting, and in other examples the spring 42 includes an extension spring, or a leaf spring, or another spring chosen with good engineering judgment.
- the biasing element 423 applies a force to the striker 420 which, unless stopped by an impeding force, forces the striker 420 toward the breechblock front end 413 . As will be discussed below, there are other components that selectively present the latter impeding force.
- the biasing element 423 is configurable between at least a biasing element cocked state 424 (see FIG. 5B ) and a biasing element firing state 425 (see FIG. 5C ). In the biasing element cocked state 424 , the biasing element 423 exerts a large force on the striker 420 . In the example shown in FIG.
- the biasing element 423 is a compression spring 42 under high compression due to the striker 420 being in the rearward striker position 427 .
- a compression spring like compression spring 42
- the reaction force is high.
- the biasing element firing state 425 the biasing element 423 exerts a comparatively smaller force on the striker 420 .
- the biasing element 423 is a compression spring 42 under low compression due to the striker 420 being in the forward striker position 426 .
- a compression spring like compression spring 42 , under low compression, the reaction force is low.
- trigger 216 is operably engaged with the stop element 452 to move the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 (see FIG. 9 ).
- the trigger 216 is movably engaged with the frame 220 .
- the control block 450 includes stop element 452 , holding surface 451 , and cam surface 458 fixedly connected thereto.
- the control block 450 omits one or more of the stop element 452 , the holding surface 451 , and the cam surface 458 .
- the control block 450 does not include the cam surface 458 .
- the sear surface 415 is a smooth continuous linear or curvilinear surface.
- FIGS. 6-18 show the engagement and operation of one example of the striker assembly 400 as it goes through a firing cycle.
- a section view has been taken through the control block 450 such that the control block 450 is not visible in order to better see the inter-operation of the sear member 430 , stop element 452 , sear surface 415 , and other components.
- stop element 452 , holding surface 451 , and cam surface 458 are all engaged to control block 450 and can move together along the arcuate path defined by the tracks 10 .
- the sear member 430 is at the sear member safety position 434 , is engaged with the sear surface 415 , and is also engaged with the stop element 452 .
- the sear member 430 is fixed to the breechblock such that, when the sear member 430 is engaged with the sear surface 415 , the sear member 430 cannot move forward along the breechblock axis 412 .
- the sear member in order to move forward along the breechblock axis 412 past the axial location coincident with the sear surface 415 , the sear member must rotate about the breechblock axis 412 .
- the stop element 452 when in the stop safety position, prevents the sear member from rotating about the breechblock axis 412 .
- the stop element 452 In order to move the sear member 430 forward and out of the sear member safety position 434 , the stop element 452 must be moved.
- the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is the safe configuration 82 wherein the striker is in the rearward striker position 427 (see FIG. 5B ), the biasing element 423 is in the biasing element cocked state 424 biasing the striker 420 toward the forward striker position 426 (see FIG. 5B ), and the stop element is in the stop safety position.
- the control block 450 As indicated by the position of the track follower elements 12 in the tracks 10 , the control block 450 is at its most forward position in FIG. 6 .
- the firing cycle will begin with actuation of the trigger 216 .
- Actuation of the trigger 216 causes corresponding movement of the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 (see FIGS. 6-10 ). Movement of the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 causes the firearm 200 to automatically change from the safe configuration 82 (see FIG. 6 ) to the fired configuration 86 (see FIG. 10 ).
- FIG. 7 the stop element 452 has been moved rearward slightly as compared to FIG. 6 .
- the track follower elements 12 in the tracks 10 show that the control block 450 is now slightly rearward of the most forward position shown in FIG. 6 .
- the stop element 452 is still partially engaged with the sear member 430 such that the sear member cannot rotate about the breechblock axis 412 .
- the cam surface 458 has come into contact with the sear member 430 .
- FIG. 8 the stop element 452 has been moved further rearward as compared to FIG. 7 .
- the track follower elements 12 in the tracks 10 show that the control block 450 is now further rearward of the position shown in FIG. 7 .
- the stop element 452 is sliding off of the sear member 430 and the cam surface 458 is starting to force the sear member 430 to rotate about the breechblock axis 412 .
- the sear member 430 is not yet free of the sear surface 415 .
- FIG. 9 the stop element 452 has been moved further rearward as compared to FIG. 8 .
- the track follower elements 12 in the tracks 10 show that the control block 450 is now further rearward of the position shown in FIG. 8 .
- the stop element 452 is off of the sear member 430 and in the stop firing position 456 .
- the cam surface 458 has forced the sear member 430 to rotate about the breechblock axis 412 sufficiently to clear the sear surface 415 .
- the sear member 430 is now clear to move to the sear member firing position 436 and no longer inhibits the striker 420 from moving forward.
- the biasing element 423 will transfer energy to the striker 420 and the sear member 430 to move them forward.
- the striker assembly 400 is in the firing configuration 86 wherein the striker 420 is in a forward striker position 426 , the biasing element 423 is in a biasing element firing state 425 (see FIG. 5C ), and the stop element 452 is in the stop firing position 456 .
- the stop element 452 is in approximately the same position as compared to FIG. 9 .
- the track follower elements 12 in the tracks 10 show that the control block 450 is in approximately the same position as compared to FIG. 9 .
- the sear member 430 is in the sear member firing position 436 which is an axial distance D forward of its axial location along the breechblock axis 412 when at the sear member safety position 434 .
- the striker 420 is at the forward striker position 427 and a portion of the striker 420 extends through the striker aperture 421 such that it can strike, and thereby fire, an associated primer 62 of an associated cartridge 66 and thereby fire the associated cartridge 66 (see FIG. 19 ). While the slide 206 , the associated primer 62 , and the associated cartridge 66 are not shown, the recoil resulting from the energy released by firing the associated cartridge 66 and the effects of the recoil on the striker assembly 400 will be shown in the subsequent figures.
- FIG. 11 the breechblock 208 has begun to move rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 due to recoil (compare FIGS. 10 and 11 ).
- the sear member 430 and the striker 420 are being forced rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 by the rearward motion of breechblock 208 .
- the breechblock 208 has moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 due to recoil (compare FIGS. 11 and 12 ).
- the sear member 430 and the striker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 by the rearward motion of breechblock 208 .
- the sear member 430 is in contact with the stop element 452 and has started to push it rearwardly as well. Accordingly, the stop element 452 , as well as the control block 450 connected to stop element 452 , and the cam surface 458 connected to the control block 450 have all moved rearwardly as compared to FIG. 11 .
- tracks 10 are not parallel to the direction of motion of the breechblock 208 : the rear of track 10 moves downward and away from the breechblock axis 412 , such that, as it moves rearwardly at this point in the cycle, the control block 450 and the connected components, the stop element 452 , will move downwardly.
- the breechblock 208 has moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 due to recoil (compare FIGS. 12 and 13 ).
- the sear member 430 and the striker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 by the rearward motion of breechblock 208 .
- the sear member 430 has pushed the stop element 452 rearwardly enough to force it down and is passing over the top of the stop element 452 .
- the control block 450 is at its most rearward position with respect to the frame 220 .
- the breechblock 208 has moved to its further rearward position with respect to the frame 220 due to recoil (compare FIGS. 13 and 14 ).
- the sear member 430 and the striker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to the frame 220 by the rearward motion of breechblock 208 .
- the control block 450 is once again at its most forward position with respect to the frame 220 .
- the control block 450 is engaged with a return spring (not shown) or the like to return it to this latter referenced most forward position with respect to the frame 220 .
- FIG. 15 the breechblock 208 has begun to move forward with respect to the frame 220 due to action from the recoil assembly 240 as described above (compare FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
- the sear member 430 is now in contact with the holding surface 451 part of the stop element 452 . Because the control block 450 cannot move further forward with respect to the frame 220 , as the breechblock 208 moves forward, the contact with the holding surface 451 restrains the sear member 430 , and the striker 420 connected therewith, from moving further forward with respect to the frame 220 with the breechblock 208 .
- the breechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to the frame 220 due to action from the recoil assembly 240 as described above (compare FIGS. 15 and 16 ).
- the holding surface 451 has held the sear member 430 and striker 420 in place with respect to the frame 220 while the breechblock 208 has continued to forward.
- the sear member 430 is now in contact with the cocking surface 416 of the breechblock 208 .
- the breechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to the frame 220 due to action from the recoil assembly 240 as described above (compare FIGS. 16 and 17 ).
- the holding surface 451 has held the sear member 430 and striker 420 in place with respect to the frame 220 while the breechblock 208 has continued to forward.
- the sear member 430 has been forced down with respect to the breechblock 208 and the frame 220 , and to rotate about the breechblock axis 412 , by the cocking surface 416 of the breechblock 208 .
- the breechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to the frame 220 due to action from the recoil assembly 240 as described above (compare FIGS. 17 and 18 ) and has returned to the position shown in FIG. 6 .
- the sear member 430 has slipped under the holding surface 451 and is now once more under the stop element 452 and engaged with the sear surface 415 as it was in FIG. 6 .
- the striker assembly 400 and the firearm 200 has completed the firing cycle.
- Implementations of the method 800 may include a method for moving a striker 420 of a striker assembly 400 of a firearm 200 from a rearward striker position 427 to a forward striker position 426 .
- the method 800 employs a striker assembly 400 that includes a striker 420 biased to the forward striker position 426 and defining a striker axis 422 , a sear member 430 connected to the striker 420 and extending outwardly from the striker axis 422 .
- the sear member 430 is rotatable about the striker axis 422 .
- the method 800 further employs a stop element 452 movable between at least a stop safety position 454 and a stop firing position 456 .
- the method 800 includes positioning the stop element 452 in the stop safety position 454 to inhibit rotation of the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 , thereby retaining the striker 420 in the rearward striker position 427 .
- the method 800 includes moving the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 .
- moving the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 occurs in response to actuation of a trigger 216 .
- actuation of a trigger 216 is pulling the trigger 216 , but other sorts of actuation are contemplated and included here and could include, but are not limited to, pushing, rotating, or combinations thereof.
- the method 800 includes rotating the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 to cause the striker 420 to move from the rearward striker position 427 to the forward striker position 426 .
- the latter rotating the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 occurs in response to the moving the stop element 452 from the stop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 .
- the latter rotating the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 includes rotating the sear member 430 at least 5 degrees about the striker axis 422 . This latter recitation of the amount of rotation is not limiting and other amounts of rotation are contemplated.
- the rotating the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 includes rotating the sear member 430 at least 10 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 15 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 20 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 25 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 30 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 35 degrees about the striker axis 422 , at least 40 degrees about the striker axis 422 , or at least 45 degrees about the striker axis 422 .
- the rotating the sear member 430 about the striker axis 422 includes rotating the sear member 430 between 0 degrees about the striker axis 422 and 180 degrees about the striker axis 422 .
- the method 800 includes returning the striker to the rearward striker position 427 .
- returning the striker to the rearward striker position 427 further includes moving the stop element 452 from the stop firing position 456 to the stop safety position 454 .
- returning the striker to the rearward striker position 427 further includes using at least some energy released from a cartridge 66 that has been discharged in response to the striker 420 moving from the rearward striker position 427 to the forward striker position 426 .
- first Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and/or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item).
- the terms “partially” or “at least a portion of” may represent an amount of a whole that includes an amount of the whole that may include the whole.
- the term “a portion of” may refer to an amount that is greater than 0.01% of, greater than 0.1% of, greater than 1% of, greater than 10% of, greater than 20% of, greater than 30% of, greater than 40% of, greater than 50% of, greater than 60%, greater than 70% of, greater than 80% of, greater than 90% of, greater than 95% of, greater than 99% of, and 200% of the whole.
Abstract
Description
- The present patent application is generally related to the operation of a firearm and, more particularly, to a striker assembly and associated firearm and method.
- Semiautomatic pistols can be divided into various categories. One category of semiautomatic pistol is the striker-fired pistol.
- In striker-fired pistols, a striker is held in a cocked position prior to firing. Upon release of the striker, the striker moves forward to strike the primer of an associated cartridge, thereby igniting the cartridge.
- Despite advances already made with striker-fired pistols, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts aimed at making striker assemblies more reliable, both in the sense of reliably firing when desired and in the sense of not firing when not desired, and at making striker assemblies less expensive to manufacture and easier to maintain.
- Disclosed is a striker assembly. In one example, the striker assembly includes a striker elongated along a striker axis, a sear member, and a stop element. The sear member is connected to the striker, extends outwardly from the striker axis, and is rotatable about the striker axis. The stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position. In the stop safety position, the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis. In the stop firing position, the stop element does not inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis.
- Also disclosed is a firearm. In one example, the firearm includes a frame defining a forward direction and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction, a striker assembly operatively associated with the frame, and a trigger. The striker assembly includes a breechblock, a striker, a sear member, and a stop element. The breechblock is elongated along a breechblock axis to define a breechblock front end and a breechblock rear end opposite the breechblock front end. The breechblock front end defines a breechblock face. The breechblock defines a hollow interior region elongated along the breechblock axis. The breechblock further defines a sear surface. The striker is elongated along a striker axis. The striker is received in the hollow interior region and is movable along the breechblock axis. The sear member is connected to the striker and extends outwardly from the striker axis. The sear member is selectively engageable with the sear surface. The stop element is movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position, wherein the stop element is positioned to inhibit the sear member from rotating about the striker axis and disengaging from the sear surface when the stop element is in the stop safety position. The trigger is operably engaged with the stop element to move the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position.
- Also disclosed is a method for moving a striker of a striker assembly from a rearward striker position to a forward striker position. The striker assembly includes a striker biased to the forward striker position and defining a striker axis, a sear member connected to the striker and extending outwardly from the striker axis, the sear member being rotatable about the striker axis, and a stop element movable between at least a stop safety position and a stop firing position. In one example, the method includes the steps of (2) positioning the stop element in the stop safety position to inhibit rotation of the sear member about the striker axis, thereby retaining the striker in the rearward striker position; (2) moving the stop element from the stop safety position to the stop firing position; and (3) rotating the sear member about the striker axis to cause the striker to move from the rearward striker position to the forward striker position.
- Other examples of the disclosed striker assembly, firearm and method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is view of one example of a firearm. -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one example of a firearm. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a first configuration. -
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a subassembly of a firearm in a second configuration. -
FIG. 5A is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration. -
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a first configuration. -
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a striker assembly of a firearm in a second configuration. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a striker assembly of a firearm. -
FIG. 19 is a view of a striker assembly of a firearm engaged with a trigger. -
FIG. 20 is a sectional view of a cartridge. -
FIG. 21 is a flow diagram depicting one example of the disclosed method for using a striker assembly. - The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments and/or examples described by the disclosure. Other embodiments and/or examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals refer to the same feature, element or component in the different drawings.
- The following detailed description presents illustrative, non-exhaustive and non-limiting examples of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed examples may be claimed, but are not necessarily claimed.
- In summary, the present disclosure is directed to firearms, to striker assemblies, such as striker assemblies for firearms, and to methods for moving a striker of a striker assembly from a rearward striker position to a forward striker position. The disclosed firearms, striker assemblies, and methods may provide one or more of improved reliability, lower manufacturing costs, and simplified maintenance.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , one example of the disclosed firearm, generally designated 200, may be a pistol and, in particular, asemiautomatic pistol 202. Thefirearm 200 may include aframe 220, abarrel 230, aslide 206, astriker assembly 400, and arecoil spring assembly 240. - As used herein, in reference to the
firearm 200, the terms “front” and “forward” refer to a direction oriented toward an exit end of thebarrel 230 of thefirearm 200 and the terms “rear” and “rearward” denotes a direction oriented away from theexit end 232 of thebarrel 230 of thefirearm 200. Thefirearm 200 includes afront end 142 and arear end 144. Therear end 144 is longitudinally opposed from thefront end 142. These terms similarly apply to other components and subassemblies of thefirearm 200 as they are oriented in the assemblies set forth herein. Thus, and with additional reference toFIG. 5A , theframe 220 defines aforward direction 222 oriented toward anexit end 232 of thebarrel 230 of thefirearm 200 and arearward direction 224 opposite theforward direction 222 and oriented away from the exit end of thebarrel 230 of thefirearm 200. Other details of theframe 220 will be set forth below. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theframe 220 is a structure of sufficient rigidity to hold each of the components operationally engaged therewith as set forth below. For example, thebarrel 230, theslide 206, therecoil spring assembly 240, thestriker assembly 400, etc., may be configured in positions and orientations with respect to theframe 220 and with respect to one another. Theframe 220 is sufficiently rigid to hold the designed range of positions and orientations within the relevant design tolerances. - In one or more examples, the
frame 220 includes areceiver 148 and agrip 150. - The
grip 150 enables the shooter (not shown) to firmly grasp and hold thefirearm 200 and forms the center of contact between the shooter and theframe 220. In one or more non-limiting examples, thegrip 150 also forms an internal chamber into which a magazine (not shown) is slidably received. In one non-limiting example, the magazine is of a conventional design in which associated cartridges 66 (seeFIG. 20 ) in a parallel, longitudinal stacked relation are biased toward a top having its front and back cut in relief to allow the associatedcartridge 66 to slide longitudinally out from the top. - In some non-limiting examples, the
frame 220 and components thereof, such as thereceiver 148 and agrip 150, are fabricated from metal, a polymer, or a combination thereof. While it is common for theframe 220 and components thereof to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives. - The
barrel 230 is coupled to theframe 220. Thebarrel 230 is the passage through which a bullet 64 (FIG. 20 ) travels as it issues from thefirearm 200. Accordingly, thebarrel 230 defines abore axis 146. Thebore axis 146 coincides with the path abullet 64 will travel as it moves through thebarrel 230. As noted above, thebarrel 230 has anexit end 232. Theexit end 232 is the end of thebarrel 230 from which abullet 64 issues upon firing thefirearm 200. - In one or more examples, the
barrel 230 is coupled to thereceiver 148. In some examples, thebarrel 230 is removable from theframe 220, such as removable from thereceiver 148. Thebarrel 230 is situated between theframe 220 and theslide 206. In some examples, thebarrel 230 is fixed to theframe 220. In some examples, thebarrel 230 moves with respect to theframe 220 in position or orientation or both during the firing cycle. - In some non-limiting examples, the
barrel 230 is fabricated from a metal. While it is common for thebarrel 230 to be fabricated from steel because of its low cost and high strength, there are many other acceptable alternatives. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , and with further reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 , theslide 206 is coupled to theframe 220. Theslide 206 is movable relative to theframe 220 along arecoil axis 118. In one or more examples, theslide 206 is coupled to thereceiver 148. Theslide 206 is movable relative thereceiver 148 along therecoil axis 118. In some examples, theslide 206 moves longitudinally rearward and forward (i.e., reciprocal motion) relative to theframe 220, such as to thereceiver 148, and to thebarrel 230 along therecoil axis 118 during the firing cycle. In the example shown inFIGS. 2-4 ,recoil axis 118 is substantially parallel to thebore axis 146. Herein, substantially parallel, means within the relevant engineering or manufacturing tolerances of parallel. - During the firing cycle, the
slide 206 moves along theframe 220 between a fully forward position (seeFIG. 3 ) and a fully rearward position (seeFIG. 4 ) to perform operational actions resulting from firing of a chambered associated cartridge 66 (seeFIG. 20 ). -
FIGS. 3 and 4 , in combination, schematically illustrate portions of the firing cycle of an example of a subassembly of thefirearm 200.FIGS. 3 and 4 depict thereceiver 148, thebarrel 230, therecoil spring assembly 240, and theslide 206.FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the portion of thefirearm 200 in a battery position.FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the portion of thefirearm 200 in a recoil position. Generally, the battery position refers to a condition of thefirearm 200 in which theslide 206 is fully forward and thefirearm 200 is in a ready-to-fire state. Generally, the recoil position refers to a condition of thefirearm 200 in which theslide 206 is fully rearward. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 and with further reference toFIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C , thefirearm 200 also includes astriker assembly 400. Thestriker assembly 400 operates to fire the chambered associatedcartridge 66. Thestriker assembly 400 is operationally engaged with theslide 206 to reciprocate therewith during the firing cycle. Thestriker assembly 400 includes abreechblock 208, astriker 420, asear member 430, a stop element 452 (seeFIG. 6 ), a biasingelement 423 and atrigger 216. Thestriker assembly 400 and the workings of thestriker assembly 400 will be described in further detail below. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , and with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 , shown is one non-limiting example of therecoil spring assembly 240. Therecoil spring assembly 240 is operationally engaged to theslide 206 and is operationally engaged to theframe 220. Therecoil spring assembly 240 biases theslide 206 in a bias direction along therecoil axis 118 to the fully forward position relative to theframe 220. In other words, therecoil spring assembly 240 biases theslide 206 to the battery position. In the examples shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, therecoil spring assembly 240 includes at least onerecoil spring 120. In the illustrative examples, the at least onerecoil spring 120 may include, or take the form of, a coil spring, a helical spring, compression spring, or other suitable spring chosen with good engineering judgment. This latter recitation is not limiting, and it is contemplated that other types of springs may also be used as therecoil spring 120. With theslide 206 in the fully forward position (seeFIG. 3 ), therecoil spring assembly 240 is less than fully energized. - During the firing cycle, the
firearm 200 begins in the battery position (seeFIG. 3 ). When an associatedcartridge 66 is fired, the act of firing releases energy that propels theslide 206 toward the rear along therecoil axis 118. In other words, the energy released from the fired associatedcartridge 66 causes theslide 206 to travel rearwardly relative to theframe 220. Rearward travel of theslide 206 relative to theframe 220 is generally referred to as recoil. - Recoil of the
slide 206 ejects an empty associated cartridge case from anejection port 164 formed in theslide 206. Recoil of theslide 206 compresses therecoil spring assembly 240 until kinetic energy imparted to theslide 206 is overcome by potential energy being imparted to therecoil spring assembly 240. Therecoil spring assembly 240 is configured to transfer a recoil force (recoil momentum) from theslide 206 to theframe 220. The recoil force is then transferred to the ground through the body of the shooter. - With the
slide 206 in the fully rearward position, therecoil spring assembly 240 is energized (e.g.,FIG. 4 ). As therecoil spring assembly 240 releases energy, theslide 206 is sent forward. At an end of rearward travel of the slide 206 (e.g., the fully rearward position), theslide 206 moves forward by reaction to a spring force provided by therecoil spring assembly 240. - Forward travel of the
slide 206 loads a new associated cartridge into the chamber of thebarrel 230. Forward travel of theslide 206 returns thefirearm 200 to the battery position (e.g.,FIG. 3 ). Returned to the battery position, thefirearm 200 is ready to fire again. - The above described implementations of the
firearm 200 and the components thereof disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting and are applicable to other types of firearms. - Certain specific examples of the
firearm 200 will now be addressed. With reference now toFIGS. 1 and 2 , in certain examples, thefirearm 200 includes aframe 220, astriker assembly 400 operatively associated with theframe 220 and atrigger 216. Theframe 220 defines aforward direction 222 and arearward direction 224 opposite theforward direction 222 as described above (seeFIG. 5 ). As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thestriker assembly 400 is operatively engaged with theslide 206 to reciprocate with respect to theframe 220 along with theslide 206. - With reference now to
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 6 thestriker assembly 400 includes abreechblock 208, astriker 420, asear member 430, and astop element 452. - The
breechblock 208 is elongated along abreechblock axis 412 to define a breechblockfront end 413 and a breechblockrear end 414 opposite the breechblockfront end 413. In this example, thebreechblock axis 412 is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis 146 (seeFIG. 2 ). The breechblockfront end 413 is oriented facing theforward direction 222. The breechblockrear end 414 is oriented facing therearward direction 224. The breechblockfront end 413 defines abreechblock face 419. Thebreechblock face 419 is the surface that operationally engages an associatedcartridge 66 to be fired by thestriker 420. Thebreechblock 208 further defines a hollowinterior region 418 elongated along thebreechblock axis 412. Thebreechblock 208 defines asear surface 415. In the example shown inFIG. 5A , thebreechblock 208 includes abreechblock wall 417 which defines thesear surface 415. More specifically, in the example shown inFIG. 5A , thebreechblock 208 includes abreechblock wall 417 that defines therein the hollowinterior region 418 and that defines therethrough aguide slot 411, which defines both thesear surface 415 and a cockingsurface 416 offset from and facing thesear surface 415. In the example shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , thebreechblock 208 further includes a striker aperture 421. The striker aperture is a hole extending from the extending from thebreechblock face 419 to the hollowinterior region 418. The striker aperture 421 will be described further below in relation to thestriker 420. In the example shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , thebreechblock 208 is movable along thebreechblock axis 412 relative to the stop element 452 (seeFIG. 6 ). - The
striker 420 is elongated along astriker axis 422. In this example, thestriker axis 422 is substantially parallel to and coincides with the bore axis 146 (seeFIG. 2 ). In this example, thestriker 420 is received within the hollowinterior region 418 and is movable with respect to thebreechblock 208 along thebreechblock axis 412. As shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , thestriker 420 is movable between aforward striker position 426 and arearward striker position 427. When thestriker 420 is in therearward striker position 427 shown inFIG. 5B , no part of thestriker 420 extends through the striker aperture 421. When thestriker 420 is in theforward striker position 426 shown inFIG. 5C , at least a portion of thestriker 420 extends through the striker aperture 421 to strike, and thereby fire, an associatedprimer 62 of an associated cartridge 66 (seeFIG. 19 ). - The
sear member 430 may be fixedly connected to thestriker 420, though other non-fixed (e.g., rotatable) connections are also contemplated. Thesear member 430 extends outwardly from thestriker axis 422 and is rotatable about thestriker axis 422. In the example shown inFIG. 5C , thesear member 430 extends at least partially through theguide slot 411. Thesear member 430 is selectively engageable with thesear surface 415. Referring now toFIGS. 5C, 6, and 9 the sear member can be selectively moveable and can selectively move at least between a searmember safety position 434 and a searmember firing position 436. Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 10 , in the examples shown, theguide slot 411 is elongated and extends at least between the searmember safety position 434 and the searmember firing position 436. Referring now toFIGS. 5C and 10 , in the examples shown, the searmember firing position 436 is offset from the searmember safety position 434 by both by a non-zero axial displacement distance D along thebreechblock axis 412, and by a non-zero angular rotation θ about thebreechblock axis 412. When the sear member is in the searmember safety position 434, thestriker 420 is impeded from moving to theforward striker position 426. In the example shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , thesear member 430 is fixedly engaged with thestriker 420 such that, when the sear member is in the searmember safety position 434, thestriker 420 is impeded from moving to therearward striker position 427. When thesear member 430 is fully engaged with thesear surface 415, the sear member is in the searmember safety position 434. Stated another way, thesear surface 415 inhibits thesear member 430 from moving from the sear member safety position 434 (seeFIG. 6 ) to the sear member firing position 436 (seeFIG. 10 ) when thestop element 452 is in thestop safety position 454. Accordingly, thesear member 430 can be used to impede or prevent thefirearm 200 from being undesirably fired by controlling the position of thesear member 430, such as, without limitation, by inhibiting or preventing thesear member 430 from disengaging from thesear surface 415. Thesear member 430 and its function with respect to control of firearm operation will be discussed further below. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 5B and 5C , in some examples, in order to move thestriker 420 between therearward striker position 427 and theforward striker position 426, thesear member 430 must undergo a minimum angular rotation θ about thebreechblock axis 412. In some non-liming examples, this latter minimum angular rotation θ about thebreechblock axis 412 is 5 degrees, or at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees, or at least 20 degrees, or at least 25 degrees, or at least 30 degrees, or at least 35 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 45 degrees. In some acceptable examples, thesear member 430 must undergo a minimum angular rotation θ about thebreechblock axis 412 of between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5C, 6 and 9 , thestop element 452 is part of the control block 450 described further below. Thestop element 452 is movable between at least a stop safety position 454 (seeFIG. 6 ) and a stop firing position 456 (seeFIG. 9 ). When thestop element 452 is in thestop safety position 454, thestop element 452 is positioned to inhibit thesear member 430 from rotating about thestriker axis 422 and thereby disengaging from thesear surface 415. When thestop element 452 is in thestop firing position 456, thestop element 452 does not inhibit thesear member 430 from rotating about thestriker axis 422. - The
striker assembly 400, and thereby thefirearm 200 which includes thestriker assembly 400, further includes a biasingelement 423 positioned to bias thestriker 420 toward the breechblockfront end 413. In the examples shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , the biasingelement 423 includesspring 42, but this is not limiting, and in other examples the biasingelement 423 includes another component that will produce a restorative force on thestriker 420 as a function of displacement, and that is chosen with good engineering judgment. In the examples shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , thespring 42 is a compression spring, but this is not limiting, and in other examples thespring 42 includes an extension spring, or a leaf spring, or another spring chosen with good engineering judgment. The biasingelement 423 applies a force to thestriker 420 which, unless stopped by an impeding force, forces thestriker 420 toward the breechblockfront end 413. As will be discussed below, there are other components that selectively present the latter impeding force. The biasingelement 423 is configurable between at least a biasing element cocked state 424 (seeFIG. 5B ) and a biasing element firing state 425 (seeFIG. 5C ). In the biasing element cockedstate 424, the biasingelement 423 exerts a large force on thestriker 420. In the example shown inFIG. 5B , the biasingelement 423 is acompression spring 42 under high compression due to thestriker 420 being in therearward striker position 427. In a compression spring, likecompression spring 42, under high compression, the reaction force is high. In the biasingelement firing state 425 the biasingelement 423 exerts a comparatively smaller force on thestriker 420. In the example inFIG. 5C , the biasingelement 423 is acompression spring 42 under low compression due to thestriker 420 being in theforward striker position 426. In a compression spring, likecompression spring 42, under low compression, the reaction force is low. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 6, and 19 ,trigger 216 is operably engaged with thestop element 452 to move thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 (seeFIG. 9 ). In the example shown, thetrigger 216 is movably engaged with theframe 220. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 2,6, and 19 , moving thetrigger 216 moves control block 450 and, thereby, moves thestop element 452 fixedly connected to the control block 450 (seeFIG. 19 ). In the examples shown, thecontrol block 450 includesstop element 452, holdingsurface 451, andcam surface 458 fixedly connected thereto. In other acceptable alternative examples, thecontrol block 450 omits one or more of thestop element 452, the holdingsurface 451, and thecam surface 458. In one acceptable alternative example, thecontrol block 450 does not include thecam surface 458. In one acceptable alternative example in which thecontrol block 450 does not include thecam surface 458, thesear surface 415 is a smooth continuous linear or curvilinear surface. -
FIGS. 6-18 show the engagement and operation of one example of thestriker assembly 400 as it goes through a firing cycle. InFIGS. 6-18 , a section view has been taken through the control block 450 such that thecontrol block 450 is not visible in order to better see the inter-operation of thesear member 430, stopelement 452,sear surface 415, and other components. It should be understood thatstop element 452, holdingsurface 451, andcam surface 458 are all engaged to controlblock 450 and can move together along the arcuate path defined by thetracks 10. - In
FIG. 6 , thesear member 430 is at the searmember safety position 434, is engaged with thesear surface 415, and is also engaged with thestop element 452. Thesear member 430 is fixed to the breechblock such that, when thesear member 430 is engaged with thesear surface 415, thesear member 430 cannot move forward along thebreechblock axis 412. In the example shown, in order to move forward along thebreechblock axis 412 past the axial location coincident with thesear surface 415, the sear member must rotate about thebreechblock axis 412. Thestop element 452, when in the stop safety position, prevents the sear member from rotating about thebreechblock axis 412. In order to move thesear member 430 forward and out of the searmember safety position 434, thestop element 452 must be moved. The configuration shown inFIG. 6 is thesafe configuration 82 wherein the striker is in the rearward striker position 427 (seeFIG. 5B ), the biasingelement 423 is in the biasing element cockedstate 424 biasing thestriker 420 toward the forward striker position 426 (seeFIG. 5B ), and the stop element is in the stop safety position. As indicated by the position of thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, thecontrol block 450 is at its most forward position inFIG. 6 . - In the non-limiting examples shown, the firing cycle will begin with actuation of the
trigger 216. Actuation of the trigger 216 (seeFIG. 19 ) causes corresponding movement of thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to the stop firing position 456 (seeFIGS. 6-10 ). Movement of thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to thestop firing position 456 causes thefirearm 200 to automatically change from the safe configuration 82 (seeFIG. 6 ) to the fired configuration 86 (seeFIG. 10 ). - In
FIG. 7 , thestop element 452 has been moved rearward slightly as compared toFIG. 6 . Thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, show that thecontrol block 450 is now slightly rearward of the most forward position shown inFIG. 6 . Thestop element 452 is still partially engaged with thesear member 430 such that the sear member cannot rotate about thebreechblock axis 412. Thecam surface 458 has come into contact with thesear member 430. - In
FIG. 8 , thestop element 452 has been moved further rearward as compared toFIG. 7 . Thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, show that thecontrol block 450 is now further rearward of the position shown inFIG. 7 . Thestop element 452 is sliding off of thesear member 430 and thecam surface 458 is starting to force thesear member 430 to rotate about thebreechblock axis 412. Thesear member 430 is not yet free of thesear surface 415. - In
FIG. 9 , thestop element 452 has been moved further rearward as compared toFIG. 8 . Thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, show that thecontrol block 450 is now further rearward of the position shown inFIG. 8 . Thestop element 452 is off of thesear member 430 and in thestop firing position 456. Thecam surface 458 has forced thesear member 430 to rotate about thebreechblock axis 412 sufficiently to clear thesear surface 415. Thesear member 430 is now clear to move to the searmember firing position 436 and no longer inhibits thestriker 420 from moving forward. The biasingelement 423 will transfer energy to thestriker 420 and thesear member 430 to move them forward. - In
FIG. 10 , thestriker assembly 400 is in the firingconfiguration 86 wherein thestriker 420 is in aforward striker position 426, the biasingelement 423 is in a biasing element firing state 425 (seeFIG. 5C ), and thestop element 452 is in thestop firing position 456. Thestop element 452 is in approximately the same position as compared toFIG. 9 . Thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, show that thecontrol block 450 is in approximately the same position as compared toFIG. 9 . Thesear member 430 is in the searmember firing position 436 which is an axial distance D forward of its axial location along thebreechblock axis 412 when at the searmember safety position 434. Thestriker 420 is at theforward striker position 427 and a portion of thestriker 420 extends through the striker aperture 421 such that it can strike, and thereby fire, an associatedprimer 62 of an associatedcartridge 66 and thereby fire the associated cartridge 66 (seeFIG. 19 ). While theslide 206, the associatedprimer 62, and the associatedcartridge 66 are not shown, the recoil resulting from the energy released by firing the associatedcartridge 66 and the effects of the recoil on thestriker assembly 400 will be shown in the subsequent figures. - In
FIG. 11 , thebreechblock 208 has begun to move rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 due to recoil (compareFIGS. 10 and 11 ). Thesear member 430 and thestriker 420 are being forced rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 by the rearward motion ofbreechblock 208. - In
FIG. 12 , thebreechblock 208 has moved further rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 due to recoil (compareFIGS. 11 and 12 ). Thesear member 430 and thestriker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 by the rearward motion ofbreechblock 208. Thesear member 430 is in contact with thestop element 452 and has started to push it rearwardly as well. Accordingly, thestop element 452, as well as the control block 450 connected to stopelement 452, and thecam surface 458 connected to thecontrol block 450 have all moved rearwardly as compared toFIG. 11 . It should be noted here that thetracks 10, are not parallel to the direction of motion of the breechblock 208: the rear oftrack 10 moves downward and away from thebreechblock axis 412, such that, as it moves rearwardly at this point in the cycle, thecontrol block 450 and the connected components, thestop element 452, will move downwardly. - In
FIG. 13 , thebreechblock 208 has moved further rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 due to recoil (compareFIGS. 12 and 13 ). Thesear member 430 and thestriker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 by the rearward motion ofbreechblock 208. Thesear member 430 has pushed thestop element 452 rearwardly enough to force it down and is passing over the top of thestop element 452. As indicated by the position of thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, inFIG. 13 , thecontrol block 450 is at its most rearward position with respect to theframe 220. - In
FIG. 14 , thebreechblock 208 has moved to its further rearward position with respect to theframe 220 due to recoil (compareFIGS. 13 and 14 ). Thesear member 430 and thestriker 420 have also been moved further rearwardly with respect to theframe 220 by the rearward motion ofbreechblock 208. As indicated by the position of thetrack follower elements 12 in thetracks 10, inFIG. 14 , thecontrol block 450 is once again at its most forward position with respect to theframe 220. In some examples thecontrol block 450 is engaged with a return spring (not shown) or the like to return it to this latter referenced most forward position with respect to theframe 220. - In
FIG. 15 , thebreechblock 208 has begun to move forward with respect to theframe 220 due to action from therecoil assembly 240 as described above (compareFIGS. 14 and 15 ). Thesear member 430 is now in contact with the holdingsurface 451 part of thestop element 452. Because thecontrol block 450 cannot move further forward with respect to theframe 220, as thebreechblock 208 moves forward, the contact with the holdingsurface 451 restrains thesear member 430, and thestriker 420 connected therewith, from moving further forward with respect to theframe 220 with thebreechblock 208. - In
FIG. 16 , thebreechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to theframe 220 due to action from therecoil assembly 240 as described above (compareFIGS. 15 and 16 ). The holdingsurface 451 has held thesear member 430 andstriker 420 in place with respect to theframe 220 while thebreechblock 208 has continued to forward. Thesear member 430 is now in contact with the cockingsurface 416 of thebreechblock 208. - In
FIG. 17 , thebreechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to theframe 220 due to action from therecoil assembly 240 as described above (compareFIGS. 16 and 17 ). The holdingsurface 451 has held thesear member 430 andstriker 420 in place with respect to theframe 220 while thebreechblock 208 has continued to forward. Thesear member 430 has been forced down with respect to thebreechblock 208 and theframe 220, and to rotate about thebreechblock axis 412, by the cockingsurface 416 of thebreechblock 208. - In
FIG. 18 , thebreechblock 208 has continued to move forward with respect to theframe 220 due to action from therecoil assembly 240 as described above (compareFIGS. 17 and 18 ) and has returned to the position shown inFIG. 6 . Thesear member 430 has slipped under the holdingsurface 451 and is now once more under thestop element 452 and engaged with thesear surface 415 as it was inFIG. 6 . Thestriker assembly 400 and thefirearm 200 has completed the firing cycle. - Referring to
FIG. 21 , the present disclosure is also directed to amethod 800. Implementations of themethod 800 may include a method for moving astriker 420 of astriker assembly 400 of afirearm 200 from arearward striker position 427 to aforward striker position 426. Themethod 800 employs astriker assembly 400 that includes astriker 420 biased to theforward striker position 426 and defining astriker axis 422, asear member 430 connected to thestriker 420 and extending outwardly from thestriker axis 422. Thesear member 430 is rotatable about thestriker axis 422. Themethod 800 further employs astop element 452 movable between at least astop safety position 454 and astop firing position 456. - At
Block 810, themethod 800 includes positioning thestop element 452 in thestop safety position 454 to inhibit rotation of thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422, thereby retaining thestriker 420 in therearward striker position 427. - At
Block 820, themethod 800 includes moving thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to thestop firing position 456. Optionally, moving thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to thestop firing position 456 occurs in response to actuation of atrigger 216. Typically, actuation of atrigger 216 is pulling thetrigger 216, but other sorts of actuation are contemplated and included here and could include, but are not limited to, pushing, rotating, or combinations thereof. - At
Block 830, themethod 800 includes rotating thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422 to cause thestriker 420 to move from therearward striker position 427 to theforward striker position 426. Optionally, the latter rotating thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422 occurs in response to the moving thestop element 452 from thestop safety position 454 to thestop firing position 456. Optionally, the latter rotating thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422 includes rotating thesear member 430 at least 5 degrees about thestriker axis 422. This latter recitation of the amount of rotation is not limiting and other amounts of rotation are contemplated. In some acceptable examples, the rotating thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422 includes rotating thesear member 430 at least 10 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 15 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 20 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 25 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 30 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 35 degrees about thestriker axis 422, at least 40 degrees about thestriker axis 422, or at least 45 degrees about thestriker axis 422. In some acceptable examples, the rotating thesear member 430 about thestriker axis 422 includes rotating thesear member 430 between 0 degrees about thestriker axis 422 and 180 degrees about thestriker axis 422. - At
Block 840, themethod 800 includes returning the striker to therearward striker position 427. Optionally, returning the striker to therearward striker position 427 further includes moving thestop element 452 from thestop firing position 456 to thestop safety position 454. Optionally, returning the striker to therearward striker position 427 further includes using at least some energy released from acartridge 66 that has been discharged in response to thestriker 420 moving from therearward striker position 427 to theforward striker position 426. - Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and/or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item).
- As used herein, the terms “partially” or “at least a portion of” may represent an amount of a whole that includes an amount of the whole that may include the whole. In some examples, the term “a portion of” may refer to an amount that is greater than 0.01% of, greater than 0.1% of, greater than 1% of, greater than 10% of, greater than 20% of, greater than 30% of, greater than 40% of, greater than 50% of, greater than 60%, greater than 70% of, greater than 80% of, greater than 90% of, greater than 95% of, greater than 99% of, and 200% of the whole.
- Although various examples of the disclosed striker assemblies, firearms and methods have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
Claims (29)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/808,792 US11391529B2 (en) | 2020-03-04 | 2020-03-04 | Striker assembly and associated firearm and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/808,792 US11391529B2 (en) | 2020-03-04 | 2020-03-04 | Striker assembly and associated firearm and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210278158A1 true US20210278158A1 (en) | 2021-09-09 |
US11391529B2 US11391529B2 (en) | 2022-07-19 |
Family
ID=77556221
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/808,792 Active 2041-01-01 US11391529B2 (en) | 2020-03-04 | 2020-03-04 | Striker assembly and associated firearm and method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11391529B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230102280A1 (en) * | 2021-09-24 | 2023-03-30 | Sig Sauer, Inc. | Firing pin lock |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE386446A (en) * | 1931-02-24 | |||
US1842922A (en) * | 1931-06-18 | 1932-01-26 | Hercules Gasmunitions Corp | Pistol |
US1897992A (en) * | 1932-04-06 | 1933-02-21 | Lake Erie Chemical Company | Disabling gas firing weapon |
NO129168B (en) * | 1968-09-18 | 1974-03-04 | Heckler & Koch Gmbh | |
US3728809A (en) * | 1970-10-02 | 1973-04-24 | Mbass | Projectile launcher baton |
GB8724995D0 (en) | 1987-09-11 | 1988-01-27 | Victory Arms Co Ltd | Breech locking system for self loading firearms |
GB9010475D0 (en) | 1990-05-10 | 1990-07-04 | Modern Arms Co U K Ltd | Semi-automatic pistol |
AUPM286793A0 (en) | 1993-12-09 | 1994-01-06 | Besselink, Bernard Christian | A firearm locking mechanism |
US5388361A (en) * | 1994-03-22 | 1995-02-14 | James E. Alexander | Nightstick with shell-firing mechanism |
US6266909B1 (en) * | 1999-01-20 | 2001-07-31 | Sig Arms International Ag | Pistol having a safety for preventing firing during disassembly |
AT412743B (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2005-06-27 | Spielberger Peter | CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR A FIREARM |
US6993864B1 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2006-02-07 | Smith & Wesson Corp. | Locking block for compact semi-automatic pistols |
DE102011115771B4 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2014-10-30 | Carl Walther Gmbh | Locking spring device for a pistol |
US20130099433A1 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2013-04-25 | Timothy D. Wodrich | Recoil spring assembly |
US8939059B2 (en) | 2012-10-16 | 2015-01-27 | Recoil Rebound, Llc | Progressive gun spring recoil system with high energy rebound |
US9696102B2 (en) | 2014-01-14 | 2017-07-04 | D. A. Wiese & Co., LLC | Methods of firearm operations |
SK500372016A3 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2018-01-04 | Ján Lučanský | Gun with low-mounted barrel |
US10203173B2 (en) | 2017-04-22 | 2019-02-12 | Jameson S. Ellis | Barrel locking mechanism for a firearm |
-
2020
- 2020-03-04 US US16/808,792 patent/US11391529B2/en active Active
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230102280A1 (en) * | 2021-09-24 | 2023-03-30 | Sig Sauer, Inc. | Firing pin lock |
US11913740B2 (en) * | 2021-09-24 | 2024-02-27 | Sig Sauer, Inc. | Firing pin lock |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11391529B2 (en) | 2022-07-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10941994B2 (en) | Cased telescoped ammunition firearm with dual feed | |
US8245427B2 (en) | Firing pin safety device for auto-loading firearms | |
US8899138B2 (en) | Firearm having a handle assembly for charging and forward assist | |
US7581345B2 (en) | Method for blocking discharge of firearm | |
EP0504273A1 (en) | Improved safety semi-automatic firearms | |
US9016187B2 (en) | Pump action rifle and action lock mechanism | |
US7987763B1 (en) | Double action firing pin system | |
US3090148A (en) | Bolt action firearm with charger | |
US11920886B2 (en) | Cased telescoped weapon action feeding from a magazine | |
US10465999B2 (en) | Handgun with forward assist | |
US11391529B2 (en) | Striker assembly and associated firearm and method | |
US20120204712A1 (en) | Dual action shotgun | |
US4232583A (en) | Firearm with recoil movement delaying mechanism | |
US11466951B2 (en) | Conditional locking mechanism for handguns | |
EP0057733A1 (en) | Semiautomatic hand gun | |
US10935334B2 (en) | Firearm configuration for reducing recoil | |
US11808540B2 (en) | Safety mechanism for blowback firearm | |
RU2049977C1 (en) | Automatic handgun |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: SMAL); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |